Asheron's Call
News, coverage and analysis tracking Asheron's Call across the outlets.- The Daily Grind: What concepts do MMORPGs keep trying to reinvent for a new generation?This article discusses how MMORPG developers often reintroduce older game design concepts as if they are new innovations. A ZeniMax Online Studios developer's comment about a new dungeon type is used as an example, highlighting how open dungeons were common in early MMOs like Ultima Online and EverQuest before becoming less prevalent after World of Warcraft.
- Casually Classic: Five MMOs other than WoW Classic that deliver that old school feelThis article explores several Massively Multiplayer Online games that capture the old-school feel reminiscent of World of Warcraft Classic. Titles like Old School RuneScape, EverQuest Legends, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, Embers Adrift, and Project Gorgon are highlighted for their embrace of legacy game design principles, challenging gameplay loops, and community-focused experiences.
Former Elder Scrolls Online boss was told in 2001 that 'There's already enough MMOs out there, no one is ever…ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird and the current state of the games industry in a recent interview. He drew parallels between today's economic climate and E3 2001, when publishers were skeptical about new MMOs entering the market.- Empires of EVE author has launched the Kickstarter for his new MMORPG history bookAndrew Groen, author of the Empires of EVE books, has launched a Kickstarter for his new MMORPG history book, "The Archive: Epics of Virtual History." The book aims to preserve the cultural history of virtual worlds by documenting significant events and moments within games like EVE Online, World of Warcraft, and Runescape. The Kickstarter has already surpassed its initial funding goal.
- Perfect Ten: MMOs whose sequels struggled to landThis article analyzes ten massively multiplayer online games whose sequels failed to achieve the same success as their predecessors. It explores reasons for these failures, including development issues, player migration, and market competition, highlighting titles like MapleStory 2, Overwatch 2, and EverQuest II.